China: Freedom of Religion and Belief

Lord West of Spithead Excerpts

Monday 25th February 2019 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Goldie]

I thank the noble Lord. I am not aware of the report to which he refers, and I shall be interested in looking further at it.

[Lord West of Spithead (Lab)]

My Lords, the noble Baroness will be aware that part of the Chinese one belt, one road initiative was to open up connectivity in central Asia. Cannot our Government point out to the Chinese that, if they are trying to open up central Asia, make it more open and utilise it better, their behaviour, which is totally appalling, is the wrong thing to do to allow that to happen?

[Baroness Goldie]

It was interesting that China felt it appropriate to hold its three-hour briefing on Friday. I can only surmise that China felt it important to explain to the broader international community what was happening. China is an important global presence and it wants to be a respected global power, but fundamental to seeking that respect is the tangible and visible implementation and observation of human rights, and respect for them.